S.1999 - USDA Communication Regarding Oversight of Pesticides Act of 2025; USDA CROP Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1999, the USDA Communication Regarding Oversight of Pesticides Act of 2025, aims to amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to improve coordination between the EPA and the USDA regarding pesticide regulation. The bill emphasizes collaboration in risk mitigation, data sharing, and the implementation of actions related to the Endangered Species Act. It also includes provisions for economic analysis of risk mitigation measures and a waiver option for coordination requirements under certain conditions.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to increased communication and collaboration between the EPA and USDA regarding pesticide regulation. This could result in more informed decision-making, potentially balancing environmental protection with agricultural needs. The economic analysis requirement may also lead to a better understanding of the costs associated with pesticide regulations.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Coordination: Enhanced collaboration between EPA and USDA can lead to more practical and effective pesticide regulations.
- Economic Analysis: Requiring economic analysis of risk mitigation measures can help ensure regulations are economically feasible for growers and other stakeholders.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing agronomic data from the USDA and industry can lead to more informed regulatory decisions.
- Consideration of Alternatives: Information on the availability and economic viability of pesticide alternatives can promote safer and more sustainable practices.
- Flexibility: The waiver provision allows for flexibility in coordination requirements when agreed upon by all relevant parties.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Delay: Increased coordination could potentially slow down the regulatory process.
- Influence of Special Interests: Enhanced collaboration with industry could lead to undue influence on regulatory decisions.
- Complexity: The added layers of coordination could make the regulatory process more complex and bureaucratic.
- Uncertainty: The impact of the bill will depend on how the coordination requirements are implemented in practice.
- Possible conflicts: Conflicts may arise between the EPA and USDA regarding the interpretation of data and the selection of appropriate risk mitigation measures.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the US Constitution (Preamble), as it aims to balance environmental protection with agricultural productivity. It does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. The bill delegates authority to the executive branch (EPA and USDA) to implement regulations, which is a common practice and generally permissible under the Constitution.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).